Iran Unveils Missile-Launching Hovercraft

Baku-APA. Iran has unveiled a domestically designed and manufactured hovercraft capable of launching missiles and aerial drones, APA reports quoting the Iranian media.

The hovercraft, dubbed Tondar (Thundebolt), was unveiled on Monday during an official ceremony at the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas as part of large-scale military exercises that started over the weekend in eastern Iran.

“Mass production of this hovercraft will considerably boost the operational capability of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy,” Iranian state-owned news network Press TV quoted Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi as saying at the ceremony.

The minister said that the vessel could be used for coastal patrols, offensive reconnaissance, military transport and sea-rescue missions.

The inauguration of the amphibious assault vessel comes amid escalating tensions between the Islamic Republic and the West over Tehran’s controversial nuclear program.

Iran has been emphasizing its ability to attain self-sufficiency in defense and produce important weapon systems domestically for nearly two decades, manufacturing its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles, aerial drones, submarines, and even fighter jets.